About Us

With a history of over 25 years in the Colorado Springs community, School Crossing and Toy Station strives to offer the highest quality toys and teaching tools to our Colorado Springs community and beyond.

Shop with online or at our shop located in Painted Tree Boutiques

5944 Barnes Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80922

Our Story

In May of 1996, Sherrie and Ralph Antes opened School Crossing. Sherrie, a teacher, and Ralph, an engineer ready for entrepreneurship, saw the need for a teacher store in the Colorado Springs community. With a quick and successful start, the pair built a new location for the store with a whopping 10,000 sq. feet as compared to their 2,500 sq. foot beginnings. Little did they know, there were big plans waiting to unfold for the then, little store.

10 years into the small business journey, there was a new niche for the beloved teacher store; toys. Taking the risk, the couple expanded the footprint another 5,000 sq. feet. The new addition housed specialty toys and games. But that’s not all; they also added a coffee shop serving lattes, ice cream, sandwiches, and more - SWEETENING the shopping experience! They also added family events and birthday parties to the mix making the business a true local treasure for families.

2016 through 2019 were nothing short of eventful. Due to the climb in ecommerce, the brick and mortar retail landscape showed drastic changes. Yet the challenges of staying afloat did not extinguish their passion; rather it inspired a greater commitment to fight for the business. Within three years, Ralph & Sherrie completed three moves; one for their home, and two for the business. 

In August of 2019, the Antes’ took a leap of faith and moved the business to  4262 Royal Pine Drive. They constructed a 1,600 sq. foot indoor imaginative play center, The Play Kingdom. This was something Sherrie has dreamed of doing for many years. Working with a local contractor, each structure was custom built. This little store was a treasure to the community from 2019 to 2024 when the building was put up for sale by the owner and purchased by a medical group. School Crossing Toy Station had no other choice but to move out of the building and start looking for a new home. It was a devastating loss, but we chose to keep looking for opportunities to engage with our community. 

In November of 2024, we opened up a small shop inside Painted Tree Boutiques located at 5944 Barnes Rd in Colorado Springs. We are incredibly grateful to be able to be a part of the community we love again. 

Throughout our existence, supporting teachers, parents, and children in the local community has been a key part of the store’s mission. Whether it be through providing quality toys and teaching tools, hosting events, or working with local non-profits the store will always be proud to be apart of the Colorado Springs community. We are passionate about offering a tangible and memorable retail experience. An experience that is encouraging and uplifting. 

We invite you to visit our physical location or shop local online with us! We carry products from top educational and specialty toy brands. We are grateful for the opportunity to charge forward in Colorado Springs as your neighborhood teacher and toy store.